Northark celebrates 421 graduates at 2025 commencement ceremonies

North Arkansas College (Northark) held its 2025 Commencement ceremonies last weekend. The Health Professions Commencement was set for Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in Pioneer Pavilion on Northark’s South Campus. The Technical and Arts, Sciences, Business and Information Technology ceremony took place on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. in Pioneer Pavilion.
The college awarded 575 degrees, certificates, or certificates of proficiency to 421 graduates this year. Fifty-eight students graduated with honors, and 44 had a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Of the 575 degrees, certificates, and certificates of proficiency awarded, 20 are scheduled for completion this summer, and 555 will be awarded this spring. The 421 graduates received 46 associates of arts degrees, 33 associate of science degrees, 13 associate of general studies, 86 associate of applied science degrees, 107 certificates, and 290 certificates of proficiency.
The welcome and invocation for the Health Professions commencement was provided by Taylor Odom of Harrison, the daughter of Matt and Reyna Odom. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. Taylor said her future goal is to shine the light of Jesus throughout her nursing career.
Lily Emberton of Clinton performed the National Anthem. She is a Lady Pioneer softball athlete.
The student speaker was selected by Northark faculty and was Whitney Sutterfield. Whitney is from Big Flat and is the widow of the late Randal Sutterfield. They have four children. Whitney received an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing degree. She will transfer to Arkansas Tech this August to complete her BSN and plans to get her master’s degree.
Luis Bathen of Green Forest gave the benediction. Luis is the son of Esvin Bathen and Annie Gonzalez. He received a CNA certificate and his future goal is to become an orthodontist.

The Mace Bearer was Faculty Senate President Mel Klipp. Grand Marshals were Northark instructors Teresa Paul and Jennifer Usrey.
Mahala Trammell of Valley Springs delivered the Technical and Arts, Sciences, Business and Information Technology ceremony welcome and invocation. Mahala is the daughter of Josh and Contessa Trammell. She received an Associate of Science degree and her goal is to become an elementary teacher.
The National Anthem was performed by Samantha George of Golden, Missouri. Samantha is the daughter of Jeremy and Tricia George. She plays basketball for the Lady Pioneers. Samantha is on a career path to become a speech language pathologist.
The student speaker is chosen by the faculty. This year’s student speaker was Walker Robinson of Western Grove.
Trustee Linda Pledger presented the Board of Trustees award. This year’s award was presented to the late Mary Mallet for her many contributions to the college over the 39 years she worked at Northark.
Dr. Rick Massengale presented the Presidential Citation to Scott Miller in recognition of his outstanding service to Northark during his 12 years on the Northark Board of Trustees.
Dr. Massengale awarded the degrees and certificates.